Research on fungi is gaining increasing interest among both qualified specialists and amateur mycologists. Their world fascinates and, as various studies show, can contribute to advancements in industry and medicine. However, it’s worth looking at fungi not only from a utilitarian perspective. Observing them, especially the development of mycelium on petri dishes, provides incredible satisfaction. To conduct such research, special materials are needed. These can be obtained by purchasing a ready-made growkit or creating your own using liquid cultures. What are the differences between them? What are their pros and cons? Which is better to choose? Find out by reading this article!
Liquid Cultures and Growkits – Two Sides of the Same Fungus?
In principle, both products serve to obtain material for observation, e.g., under a microscope. Both liquid mycelium and a package with substrate already colonized by mycelium allow for sampling to engage in amateur research on a selected mushroom species.
The differences lie in what needs to be done with the purchased product. While growkits generally allow for observations after a short time, liquid mycelium requires inoculation onto the appropriate substrate. These differences are discussed in more detail below.
What Are Growkits?
At first glance, they may seem like just a plastic bag with „something” inside that doesn’t resemble much, especially to amateurs. In practice, these „growth boxes” are kits containing substrate inoculated with biological material developed enough to observe mycelium development without major obstacles. In theory, such a package allows for obtaining fruiting bodies. However, remember that if you’re working with a species producing substances like psilocybin, you should avoid reaching that stage. This is because psilocybin is prohibited by law in Poland, specifically under the Act on Counteracting Drug Addiction.
It’s worth making a distinction here. For example, full auto growkits and liquid cultures of psilocybin mushrooms are entirely legal in Poland. This is because neither spores nor mycelium contain any illegal substances. Only the fruiting bodies begin to produce psilocybin and psilocin.
In summary, a „growth box” allows you to easily and quickly prepare material for microscopic studies. However, you should not allow it to fruit.
What Are Liquid Mushroom Cultures?
Okay, you have a general idea of what growkits are… But what is liquid mycelium? This is a more complex but equally fascinating topic! In short, it’s biological material in the form of a suspension. These are isolated hyphae of selected mushroom species placed in a special nutrient solution, usually highly malt-based or honey-based, where they actively begin to work.
They are sold in sterile syringes, which is important because any biological or chemical contamination can destroy the material. As mentioned earlier, unlike growkits, this material must first be inoculated onto an appropriate substrate. There are various recipes for substrates, primarily using components that serve as nutrients (e.g., rye, corn, brown rice, or other grains) and moisture retainers (e.g., perlite). These must also be properly sterilized to allow liquid mycelium to develop without obstacles.
What happens next after inoculation? If you provide the right conditions, the material will begin to work, and the mycelium will start colonizing. This is particularly fascinating because you can observe the development of a species from its almost primordial form. In effect, you’re creating your own growkit!
Advantages and Disadvantages of Growkits
Each of these solutions has its pros and cons. Let’s first look at the benefits and drawbacks of purchasing „growth packages.”
Advantages of Growkits
One of the biggest advantages is the ease of obtaining material for research. Much depends on the quality and type of growkit. In the offerings of my company, you’ll find so-called full auto growkits. What does this mean?
It means that obtaining mycelium for research doesn’t require much effort from you. Moisturizing and ventilation are automatic—just place the package in an appropriate location concerning temperature and shading. You only need to ensure it’s away from potential contamination sources, so avoid placing it near plants.
The automation of mycelium colonization processes in growkits also means that the risk of contamination is minimized. It mainly occurs when you take samples for research. At that point, remember to use sterilized tools designated solely for that purpose. The ease of use makes growth boxes ideal for anyone just starting their mycology journey.
Disadvantages of Growkits
There aren’t many. For more engaged amateurs, the fact that full auto products are… maintenance-free might be a drawback. There are growkits on the market that require additional „care.” Similarly, this applies to mycelium obtained from liquid cultures. They need to be sprayed, sometimes fanned to dry… In other words, they require work. For some, this is fun that automatic packages take away.
Growkits, especially full auto ones, are also less available. They often come from other countries and can be contaminated. However, by choosing products from Mykożerca, you’re opting for high-quality Polish products that guarantee mycelium providing incredible observation experiences.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Liquid Mushroom Cultures
You’ve learned about the benefits of using growth packages. How does it look in the case of liquid mycelium? What are the pros and cons of using such products?
